Italian regions deploy new fire‑prevention technologies for 2026

The city of Palermo has kept its thermal‑camera fire‑monitoring network fully operational for the 2026 summer, using three Bi‑Spectrum PTZ cameras that work in visible and infrared light to detect hotspots and alert the control room, fire brigade and forestry corps. The system, credited with limiting 2024‑2025 wildfires to small and medium incidents, generated six alerts in summer 2025.

In the Lazio region, the University of Agricultural Sciences in Tarquinia launched a 2026 anti‑forest‑fire campaign that coordinates with regional civil‑protection, the Prefecture of Viterbo and local police and fire services. The programme includes a dedicated hotline (803 555) and the deployment of a water‑tank and observation teams across forested areas.

Puglia’s civil‑protection service inaugurated the first of two regional firefighting helicopters on 25 June. The Grottaglie‑based helicopter performed 17 water‑drops in a Mediterranean scrub fire near Statte, supporting ground crews and two Canadair aircraft. Officials said the aerial fleet will be completed next week with a second helicopter based in Foggia, enhancing regional fire‑control capacity.